ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH
8840 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28213
704-549-1555
Weekly News and Prayers on August 12, 2021
(Submission Deadline: Noon Wednesdays to Pam at Officeadm@adventlu.org) 
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YouTube channel -- Advent Lutheran Church ELCA Charlotte


12th Sunday after Pentecost
Readings: Proverbs 9:1-6 and John 6:51-58



ADVENT WORSHIP

COME JOIN US !!!!
Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 10am in Orinson Hall
*MASKS REQUIRED*
Service will also be livestreamed at Adventlu.org


To access the online worship service:  
 Go to adventlu.org and then click on the link for the worship service on the home page


Serving this week:
Lay Assistant - Lenore Watson
Reading - Eric Heberlig
Altar Guild - Velia Watson
Counters - Dan & Betsy Brown


ADVENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES



ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Now on summer break - will return September 26 for a study of the Gospel of John
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MONDAYS -- Lunch & Learn (previously called Devo)
12 noon - 1pm via Zoom -- normally 1st & 3rd Mondays -- Next session is August 30
"The Book of Joy" is beginning August 30

To connect:
 Meeting ID: 863 8714 4586   Passcode: 484478
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PARLOR CLASS
Is meeting sporadically in person and via zoom for devotions and discussion
Watch for specific dates and times - Everyone invited to join!
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WEDNESDAYS -- LUNCH AND LEARN -- new name "Wednesday Word"
Now on summer break -- will return September 22 for a study of the book of John

Full details of these events elsewhere in this email


Sunday, August 15 - 10am worship in Orinson Hall - Masks required
Tuesday, August 17 -- 6:30 LMM at Tequilas Tacos & Bar
Thursday, August 19 -- Adventurers lunch cancelled
Sunday, August 22 -- 10am worship in Orinson Hall -- Masks required
Sunday, August 22 -- 11:30am-1pm Confirmation
Sunday, August 29 -- 10am worship in Orinson Hall -- Masks required
Sunday, August 29 -- 11:30am-1pm Confirmation
Friday -- Sunday, September 10-12 -- God's Work Our Hands weekend
Sunday, September 12 -- 4:30pm REAP (Racial Equality Action Partners)
Wednesday, September 22 -- Study of Book of John
September 24-26 -- Wild Women Weekend at Lutheridge
Sunday, September 26 -- 11:30am Adult Sunday School resumes with Study of Book of John
Sunday, November 7 -- NEW date for Crop Walk
SCAM ALERT REMINDER!!!

Attempts to scam us persist... even within the church!! Please be aware that if you receive a suspicious email from Pastor Ward (or anyone, for that matter), do not respond to the email or click on any links. For a couple of years now there are ongoing emails that are sent supposedly from Pastor Ward asking for help for a project or purpose or that include a link saying it's something you might be interested in. You should never respond to such emails nor should you ever click on a link in an email that you are unsure of its validity. When in doubt, check with the sender first.

As Pastor Ward has stated in the past, he will reach out by phone or text if he truly needs help from anyone. If you receive such an email, call or text him or another staff member before you respond or click on any links.
THE COVID DELTA VARIANT  

This new strain of Covid-19, the Delta Variant, is spreading rapidly. 
 
Unvaccinated people are at risk:  8 times more likely to get sick and 25 times more likely to go to the hospital or
die from COVID than those who are vaccinated. 
 
Vaccinated people who get the COVID Delta variant can spread it to others. This is different from earlier variants. This is why you should follow the CDCs 3Ws when outside of your home: 
  • Wear a mask 
  • Watch your distance (6 feet) 
  • Wash your hands  
 
Vaccination is the best way to protect our friends, family, and ourselves. The longer it takes to get more people vaccinated, the more likely we will see more variants. This will also cause more people to get sick and die.  
 
Counties with lower vaccination numbers are seeing more COVID cases! Mecklenburg is at 50% and Cabarrus County is at 41%. Those statistics are for fully vaccinated people who are eligible (ages 12 years and older) as of 8/10/21.** The goal for North Carolina is to reach 75% fully vaccinated.  
 
Keeping our family and friends healthy is a Team Sport:  it takes all of us.  
• Do not go out if you are sick  
• Follow the 3Ws  
 
If you, or a loved one, are not vaccinated, please get vaccinated now. Vaccinations for Covid-19 are free, readily available and SAFE! 
 
** covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard/vaccinations 
                              “Live Abundantly” Advent Health Ministry Team 
ADJUSTMENTS FOR COVID SURGE
As everyone is aware, Mecklenburg County, as well as the entire country, is seeing a dramatic surge in the Covid cases, specifically the Delta variant. On July 31, Pastor Ward sent a letter via eNEWS to the congregation. If you have not seen that letter yet, you may click here to read it. For the time being, worship services will remain in Orinson Hall because of the ability to spread out more. Masks are required by everyone except the very small children. As a church body, we are called to love our neighbor and this is the reasoning behind the adjustments being made. For any vaccine-eligible members who have yet to receive the vaccine, we urge you to please don't delay.... for your sake and that of everyone around you!

In the Synod News link given above, Bishop Tim Smith writes a very poignant article about the virus and the need to vaccinate. You are invited to click here for that article.

For those interested, the NC Synod Regathering Task Force just published their recommendations to the churches within the Synod. The link to the recommendations can be accessed by clicking here.
L U T H E R A N  M E N  I N  M I S S I O N

Our Advent Lutheran Men in Mission will hold their August 17 gathering at Tequilas Tacos and Bar located at 8650 University City Blvd (in shopping center with Harris Teeter below the church). Time is 6:30pm. All men of any age are welcome. Contact is Joe Palumbo (jjpalumbo@hotmail.com).
SMILE 
 
Everything has changed! We are wearing masks again during indoor activities and worship.   
Please be careful: 
  1. Be sure your mask covers your nose and mouth. Try not to touch your mask. 
  2. Remove your mask by the ear loops. 
  3. Wash cloth masks in warm water and detergent 
  4. Dispose of a mask you have worn for several hours – that’s why they’re called ‘Disposable’ masks! 
  5. Wash your hands more frequently. 
  6. Avoid shaking hands. 
  7. Maintain social distancing – that’s 6 feet, not 3 feet! 
We can show our smiles with our eyes...and greet others with words of peace and welcome. 
“Live Abundantly”                   Advent Health Ministry Team   
CALLING FOR CARD MINISTERS 

Want to participate in a fulfilling Advent ministry that is easy to do, demands little time, and involves only a small amount of money?  If so, perhaps you’d like to become part of a rotating list of members who send cards to those who are experiencing illness, grief, and joyful occasions such as births.  Diane Jowers has coordinated this ministry for many years but is moving far away, and Debra Efird is going to try to fill her shoes. 
 
Card Ministers are asked to serve in 2-week stints, during which time they are typically assigned from 8-15 people to be the recipients of their cards, depending on current needs.  No, you do not send a card to everyone on Advent’s Prayer List during your time period! There is a system in place for immediate issues as well as long-term concerns, and names of recipients are monitored by the Card Ministry Coordinator.  You will be expected to purchase your own cards (dollar store!) and postage, but these can be reported as “Gift by Receipt” if you so choose. 

Is your interest piqued?  Please contact Debra Efird at debra_efird@yahoo.com or 980-621-1283.    
GOD'S WORK, OUR HANDS!    SAVE THE DATE!
 
Advent will join together with our ELCA brothers and sisters for our annual congregation-wide service event the weekend of September 10-12. Service opportunities will focus on our immediate neighbors around our Advent campus including Our Neighbors’ Plate, UNCC students, the College Downs Neighborhood, Robinsdale Apartment Complex, Toby Creek Greenway, and Newell Elementary School. 

  • Timeslots for service will be offered for Friday and Saturday mornings, afternoons, and evenings.  
  • We will also offer options to join in service of our neighbors through remote options. 
  • A sign-up genius will be published soon! We would love 100% of our congregation to participate in some way! Service options will include mulching a pathway in the College Downs neighborhood, preparing goody bags for Newell Elementary school teachers, hosting a popsicle party at Robinsdale Apartments, cleaning up trash from Toby Creek Greenway, baking cookies for UNCC students, and placing picnic tables on Advent property. More details coming soon!
  • We will celebrate and share about our experiences of Serving our Neighbors on Sunday morning with worship at 10am in the sanctuary followed by a congregational meal in Orinson Hall (our gym).

Please plan to join with your Advent family in this wonderful opportunity to re-gather! For more information or to suggest a service opportunity, please contact Toni Hagerman at hagermanic@gmail.com.
RACIAL EQUALITY ACTION PARTNERS MEETING

The Advent Family is invited to join REAP (Racial Equality Action Partners on the 2nd Sunday of each month (unless announced otherwise) at 4:30 via Zoom . Upcoming meeting dates are September 12, October 10. Click this zoom link to join:

Meeting ID: 832 7471 0159 Passcode: 060475.



ADVENT'S AUGUST BIRTHDAYS!!!!
ADVENT IS FEEDING THE HUNGRY
HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Little Free Pantry:   Add non-perishable food inside the Little Free Pantry in the side yard of the Wubben-Smith House or bring to church and place inside red doors. Food supplies can also be ordered from Amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/MNHZQ6F3AYHH?ref_=wl_share. Select Sharon Thrower Registry address.  Contact is Sharon Thrower preschooldirector@adventlu.org.

Grab and Go Bags for Roof Above: 
Financial support needed – add ‘sandwiches’ on the memo line of checks or select in Online-Giving.
Volunteers needed to drive bags to Roof Above every other week. Contact Debra Efird at debra_efird@yahoo.com.
Purchase easy-open cans of viennas or cases of bottled water. Leave on marked table in Orinson Hall.
Have viennas and bottled water picked up at your home – contact Abby Bostian (abostian@carolina.rr.com).
 
Our Neighbors’ Plate:  Needs volunteers on Wednesday/Thursdays or to provide desserts. Use Sign-Up Genius (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b45acac2ea7f49-ourneighbors) to volunteer.  Also needs financial support for supplies. Add “Our Neighbors’ Plate” on memo line of checks or add as fund in Online Giving.
GIFTS FOR GOD FROM THE PEOPLE OF GOD!!!

To make your gift, you may:
  1. Bring your offerings to Sunday worship.
  2. Mail a check to the church at 8840 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28213. All offerings received will go to General Fund unless otherwise designated on the memo line.
  3. Use bill pay through your personal bank or credit union.
  4. Use Online Giving.  See the info below for details on using this tool. 
  5. Bring your offering by the church and leave it on the counter near the door to Pastor Ward's office.
  6. Drop an envelope containing your offering into the slot of the US Postal box at the corner of our parking lot near the office entrance.

Using Online Giving: 
You may make a one-time gift through Online Giving or you may set up recurring donations which you can modify or cancel at any time.
  1. This tool allows you to use a credit card, debit card, or bank checking or savings account payment.
  2. The church does pay a small fee for payments made through cards and American Express is not permitted because their fee is too costly.  The tool asks if you'd like to add a small amount to offset our cost.
  3. You can also designate where you want your gift to go.... General Fund for operating expenses or other special fund. A number of special funds are built into the tool already but if your choice is not listed, you can choose OTHER and type the name of the fund you want to get credit. You can do multiple donations in one entry.
  4. To use this tool you can go to the Advent website (adventlu.org) and click on GIVE in the upper right-hand corner of the main screen, OR you can click on the icon here in this note:  Click here to access Online Giving now

(Remember to give to sandwiches and World Hunger -- Just add to your regular offering and mark appropriately on the memo line.)      

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
All church office staff continue to work remotely.  Contact staff by email or phone as both are being monitored by staff from home.
CALENDAR REMINDER
Making plans for an event at Advent, are you the leader of a small group or ministry leader with monthly meetings? Whatever the event or gathering (even zoom meetings) be sure to let the church office know the date, time, and room or space. Doing so is a big help in keeping the church online calendar current while communicating Advent activities and avoiding the possible mishap of overbooking a particular area.  Call us at 704-549-1555 or email Harriett (churchadministrator@adventlu.org) or Pam (officeadmin@adventlu.org).  Thanks, we appreciate your help.
Spiritual Development 

LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ?
Come and join the Advent Book Club.  WE WILL BE ZOOMING AS LONG AS NECESSARY.  See connection info below. All are welcome. Contact Jennie Henderson (jhendersonfit@gmail.com).  Group will be meeting twice a month on Fridays, 6pm, per the schedule below.

Upcoming dates and suggested books:
August 20 -- "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson
September 3 -- "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moyes
September 17 -- Check in
October 8 -- "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
October 22 -- Check in
November 5 -- Check in
November 19 -- "The Chocolatier" by Jan Moran (currently on sale on Kindle for $5.99)
December 3 -- "The Light Between Oceans: A Novel" by M. LO. Stedman
December 17 -- Check in

Meeting ID: 854 3805 8321    Password: 388838        

PRAYER AND MEDITATION OF THE DAY
If you are interested in receiving short daily prayer and devotions, please email spiritualdev@adventlu.org with the name, cell phone# and email or you may sign up online at www.adventlu.org under the Prayer of the Day tab.
Nurture, Support & Fellowship 

ADVENT SMALL GROUPS 
"A great way to connect with people"        "I love applying the Bible to my daily life"

NOTE:  Small groups continue to meet using the church subscriptions to Zoom. Contact officeadm@adventlu.org or churchadministrator@adventlu.org to make your request and schedule the day/time on the church calendar.

For Men:  If you are interested in participating, please contact Pastor Ward for more info.  

For anyone: "Exiles" small group that reads and discusses books or videos. Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Contact Pastor Ward or Carolyn Osborne.

For anyone: Faith on Tap: Meets 4th Thursday night of the month at Armoured Cow at 7:30pm. This is a joint group of Newell Presbyterian and Advent. Anyone is welcome! Just show up!
FREE VIRTUAL STRETCHING CLASSES VIA ZOOM
Regular stretching releases stress and tension in our body. Jennie Henderson, an ACE CertifiedPersonal Trainer, is leading some stretching sessions for the Advent Family through Zoom. All skill levels are welcome. Modifications are offered. All you need is a water bottle, a chair, a space to lay down, and a resistance band/long towel. Any questions can be directed to jhendersonfit@gmail.com.

Mondays at 9; Wednesdays at 5:30; and Fridays at 10am
To join click this link:
Meeting ID: 847 4089 4973   Passcode: 382321 
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COMMUNICATE AND CONNECT THROUGH ADVENT FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK:
Join the closed "Advent Friends" Facebook group to stay abreast of events and see photos.
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USE "SMILE" WHEN SHOPPING ON AMAZON.COM 
Don't forget - when shopping on Amazon, access the site through http://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-1182420 and simply do all of your Amazon on-line ordering through Amazon Smile.  Amazon will donate 0.5% of what you buy to Advent - not much, but if you're shopping anyway with Amazon, why not use Smile. Every penny will be used in service to God and His people.
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BENEFIT ADVENTURE PRESCHOOL
If you shop at Harris-Teeter, be sure your VIC card is linked to our Adventure PreSchool ... we are group #5494.
Outreach

ELCA DISASTER
It seems there is always a natural disaster somewhere in the world that is very tragic. The ELCA is well known for assisting victims of hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, or other natural disasters. The team and the funds contributed directly reach victims. To donate at any time, make your donation payable to Advent with "ELCA disaster relief" in the memo line, and we will send your contribution in with others received.  We also typically ask the Wubben Distribution Board to match any offerings made by the congregation.
Youth at Advent    
COLORFUL WORSHIP FOR FAMILIES

Colorful worship will begin a new series in the early fall. Meanwhile, you may enjoy previous videos of Godly Play in several ways: 1) From the home screen of the Adventlu.org website in the lower left side; 2) from the Advent Lutheran Church Charlotte ELCA YouTube channel; 3) or by clicking directly on this link:    https://youtu.be/XLJmLWy1t98
Prayers Requested 

Before adding someone to our prayers, please be sure you have the person's permission. Please let us know when prayers may no longer be needed.  Names will be removed from the list after two months unless updates are received. An asterisk (*) after a name means an update is needed.   Please contact officeadm@adventlu.org or churchadministrator@adventlu.org) to provide updates.

Illness or Other Needs
Ashton Family, daughter and grandchildren of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Josh Baker, nephew of Abby Bostian
Lindsay Baker, niece of Abby Bostian
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
Willie Chatman, friend of Gene and Brenda Reid
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Dallas Collins, family member of co-worker of Gloria Peters
Alpha Omega Curry, friend of Lenore Watson
Deborah DuBose, friend of Abby Bostian
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz 
Keri Eichler, niece of Marylou Kuklentz
Mike Eleazer, father-in-law of Kathryn McKittrick Eleazer
Jan Frick, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Dwight Hartsell, member
Doug Hodge, friend of Gary Moe
Donnell Horton, former member of Advent and daughter of Leo Peeler
Nylah Howard, member of Advent's brownie troop
Linda Kelly Family, family of Sarah Sue Hardinger's son-in-law
Marylou Kuklentz, member
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Bobbi Larson, member
Teresa Ledford, member
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Susan McCoy, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger
Lucy Mullis, sister of Dwight Hartsell
Dave Park, member
Leo Peeler, member
Noel Petrea, member
Jacita Petway, friend of Lenore Watson
Jesse Priser, member
Pattie Quigley, mother of Jennie Henderson
Kalvin Roberson, member
Shannon Roberson, member
Schierlmann family, Advent staff
Richard Schulz, brother-in-law of Dan & Jan Otolski
Kassidy Sechler, young Rowan County teenager who collapsed during ball game on July 17
Susan Severance, sister of Anne Brown
Penny Short, cousin of Caroline Bunn
Rashaad Sinclair, family friend of Caroline Bunn
Pam Simyon, daughter-in-law of Dick & Mary Lou Kuklentz
James Smith, friend of Jennie Henderson
Wylee Stephens, grandson of Harriett Easley
Summerhour Family, members
LouAnn Tolson, friend of Mona Ingolia
David Townsend, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Joyce Veit, member
Herbert Watson, member
Naomi Watson, grandmother of Brooke Watson-Summerour
Beverly Williams, member
Lewis Williams, member
Renate Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace

Deaths - We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
Andrew (Ray) Hunt, brother of George Hunt - on July 27
Betty Jean Slattum, mother of Erik Slattum - on July 28
Judy Gould, friend of Russ & Lynn McKittrick and wife of NC LMM Treasurer - on July 31
Eileen Folkerth, mother of Susan Goerke - on August 7
Deborah Miller, mother of Esther Abdel-Hameed's son's fiancee - on August 8

Always keep ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and NC Synod Bishop Tim Smith in your prayers.  
  
For additions or updates to this listing:
Please contact Pastor Ward at ThePastor@adventlu.org, or 704-549-1555 ext. 102
or Pam Rhynes at Officeadm@adventlu.org or 704-549-1555 ext 105